Machine for doubling metal plates.



Patented Feb. 20, I900.

n. n. SPEARS. MACHINE FOR DOUBLING METAL PLATES. I

(Application filed Mar. 1, 1899.)

(No Model.) 5 Sheets-Sheet l,

lgaegior alqfiem ays,

TN: cams PETERS coy. PHoTn-u'mu, wAsmNc-mmp. c.

- Patented Feb. 20, I900.

No. 643,69I.

n. n. SPEARS. MACHINE FOR DOUBLING METAL PLATES.

(Application filed Hat 5 Sheets-Shut 2,

(No Model.)

B 3591b v 13y W5 w hfmrgz ys,

TH! NORRIS vzrsns cu, Putnam-A0,. wuumsmn. u. c

Nm 43, 9| Patented Feb. 20, I900. R. R. SPEARS.

MACHINE FOB DOUBLING METAL PLATES.

(Application fllod m1. 1, 1399. (No Modai.) 5-Sheats-Shaet 3.

7 I'NE NORRIS PETERS co PHOTD-LITHQ, WASHINGTON. o c.

N0. 643,69l. Patented Feb. 20, I900.

R. R. SPEARS.

MACHINE FOB DOUBLING METAL PLATES.

(Application filed Mar. 1, 1899.) (No Model.) 5 Shee'tsSheat 4.

N Vdiigasses BLUZ ZJWg {SI QQ IQP THE cams PETERS c0. wo'ro-u-mu.WASHINGTON, 1:. c4

No. 643,69l. Patented Feb. 20, 1.900..

R. R. SPEARS. I

MACHINE FOR DOUBL'ING METAL PLATES. (Application filed Mar. 1, 1899.)

(No Model.) 5- Sheets8heet 5,

m: "cams PEIERS co, PHOTO L1THO., WASHINGTON a c.

FFICEQ FATEN'I RALPH R. SPEARS, OF WHEELING, WEST VIRGlNlA.

MACHINE FOR DOUBLING METAL PLATES.

SP C FICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 643,691, dated February20, .1900.

Application filed March 1, 1899. Serial No. 707,256. (No model.)

T0 at whom, it may concern:

Beitknown that I, RALPH R. SPEARS, a citizen of the United States,residing at Wheeling, in the county of Ohio and State of West Virginia,have invented a new and useful Machine for Doubling Metal Plates, ofwhich the following is a specification.

This invention relates to the art of .handling tin and other sheet-metalplates; and it has for its object to provide an improved machine forsteadily, quickly, and accurately doubling or folding sheet-metalplates, thereby obviating the objections to the hand process,which iscom monly resorted to for this purpose.

While the step of doubling sheet-metal plates is usually carried outmanually, still machines have been designed for accomplishing thisresult; but such machines have only been operated in connection with theordinary shearing-machine for trimming the contiguous edges of thefolded plate and have not embodied shearing mechanism as a part of thedoubling-machine itself. It is therefore the purpose of the presentinvention to provide an improved machine having means not only foraccurately doubling or folding the sheet, but also for accuratelytrimming the edges thereof, and thereby placing the same in propercondition for immediate delivery to the heating-furnace, thus greatlyeconomizing in-the time usually required for doubling and shearing tinand other sheetmetal plates.

With these and other objects in view,which will readily appear as thenature of the invention is better understood, the same consists in thenovel construction, combination, and arrangement of parts hereinaftermore fully described, illustrated, and claimed.

The improvements forming the fundamental features of the presentinvention are necessarily susceptible to a variety of modifications,still the preferred embodiment thereof is shown in the accompanyingdrawings, in which Figure l is a plan view of a machine for doublingmetal plates constructedin accordance with the present invention. Fig. 2is a vertical longitudinal sectional View of the same., Fig. 3 is a sideor front view of the machine Fig. 4 is a similar view from the sideopposite to that shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a vertical transversesectional View of the machine on the line 5 5 of Fig. 1. Fig. 6 isadetail sectional View showing aportion of the gearing for the pair ofdeliveryrolls. Fig. 7 is a detail view of the drive-shaft, showing theclutches thereon.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, the numeral 1 designates thestationary base of themachine, which is preferably in the form of ahollow stand and of a'general rectangular configuration. The saidstationary base is provided with a horizontal top portion, on which isarranged a plurality of parallel transverse table-supports 2, preferablyconsisting of angle-irons suitably bolted to the top of the base orstand and supporting thereon the horizontal work-holding table 3. Thehorizontal work-holding table 3, which is held elevated above the top ofthe base or stand by the transverse table-supports 2, is made inseparate sections arranged, respectively, at opposite sides of thetransverse center of the machine to permit of the doubled plate beingcarried downward through the base or stand in the manner to be presentlyexplained, and each of said table-sections is preferably of a slattedformation, and consists of a plurality of flat parallel table slats orbars t, which provide a perfectly flat and uniform rest-surface for themetal plate to be doubled or folded, While at the same time providingcirculating-spaces for the air, whereby the heated plate will be cooledand the parts of the machine with which it contacts prevented frombecoming unduly heated, and a further advantage of having thetable-sections of a slatted construction is to enable the operator toobserve the plate at any point during its travel or passage through themachine.

The Work-holding table 3 is provided at one side edge thereof and uponopposite sides of the transverse center of the machine with upstandingrest-flanges 5, preferably consisting of angled plates bolted to thetable and designed to form abutments for one side edge of the plate torest against, and thereby insure a proper positioning thereof on thetable prior to being operated upon by the doubling mechanism of themachine. In addition to the lateral or side rest-flanges 5 it is alsonecessary to provide means for properly centerin g the plate upon thetable, so that the creaseline of the doubled plate will be placed at thetransverse center thereof. This centering of the plate to be doubled isaccomplished through the medium of a pair of oppositelylocatedcentering-arms 6, the upper ends of which arms project above the planeof the table, respectively at opposite ends thereof, as plainly shown inFigs. 2 and 3 of the drawings. The said oppositely-located centeringarms6 are designed to have a swinging movement simultaneously toward or awayfrom each other, and to secure this result the lower ends of said armsare rigidly connected with transverse rook shafts 7, journaledtransversely of the machine base or stand, respectively at opposite endsthereof, and each of said rock-shafts 7 also has fitted thereto arock-arm 8, to which is pivotally connected one end of a connecting-bar9, the other end of which is pivotally connected to one arm of abell-crank lever 10, pivotally supported at its angle within the base orstand at an intermediate point between the ends of the latter. Thebell-crank levers 10, respectively for the separate rock-shafts 7, arearranged reversely with relation to each other, and the short arms ofboth of these levers have pivotally connected thereto one end of anadjusting-link 11, thus forming a toggle connection, and the lower endof said link 11 is pivotally connected to a treadle 12, which ispivotally supported at one end, as at 13, on the base or stand, but hasthe free end thereof exposed at the front side of the machine withinreach of the operator. By reason of the connections described it will beunderstood that when the metal plate to be doubled is placed upon thetable against the lateral rest-flanges 5 the same may be accuratelycentered upon the table by simply depressing the treadle 12, which drawsdown upon the connected arms of the bell-crank 10, and thereby causesthe simultaneous movement of both centering-arms 6 toward the transversecenter of the machine, and in this connection it is to be observed thatthe upper active ends of the swinging centering-arms 6 are equidistantfrom the doubling mechanism of the machine.

Between the inner contiguous ends of the opposite sections of thework-holdin g table 3 is arranged a pair of transversely-yieldingbending-rolls 14. The bending-rolls 14 are of a length coextensive withthe width of the work-holding table, and each of said rolls has itsspindle extremities journaled in oppositely-located slidablebearingblocks 15, mounted in oppositelylocated and transversely-alinedslotted guide-boxes 16, and within these guide-boxes are placedpressuresprings 1'7, bearing against the blocks 15 and providing meansfor yieldingly pressing the bending-rolls in a direction toward eachother, and by reason of said springs the two bending-rolls are normallyheld in peripheral contact. Between the slidable springpressed bearingsfor the horizontal parallel bendingposition.

rolls 14 the machine base or stand 1 is pro' of creasing the metal plateand forcibly bending the same between the rolls 14, and said blade ispreferably of a triangular shape,with its straight lower edge lyingparallel with the bending-rolls 14, which straight lower edge ispreferably beveled, as indicated at 20, to form a knife-edge, whichcreases the metal plate and provides a fulcrum upon which the same maybend as it is carried down between the bending-rolls. The vertical edgeof the triangular creasing-blade 19 is bolted between a pair of parallelvertically-disposed angleiron or equivalent clamping plates 21, whichextend the full height of the vertical edge of the creasing-blade andare in turn bolted or otherwise rigidly secured to theverticallyreciprocating dovetailed slide 22. In addition to theangle-iron clamp-plates 21, between which the vertical edge portion ofthe creasing-blade is held,the latter has bolted thereto upon oppositesides the horizontal transversely-arranged reinforce angle-plates 23,which serve to stiffen up and brace the intermediate portion of thecreasing-blade and prevent relative displacement thereof with ref erenceto the other parts of the machine with which it cooperates, while alsopreventing buckling or undue straining of the creasingblade during thedownward thrust thereof when carrying the metal plate between thebending-rolls.

The vertically reciprocating dovetailed slide 22 for the creasing-bladeis arranged to work in a similarly-shaped slideway formed between a pairof oppositely-arranged vertical parallel guide-strips 24, bolted orotherwise-suitably fastened to the innerside of an uprightsupporting-bracket 25, arising from the machine base or stand from oneside thereof and projecting a sufficient distance above the plane of thework-holding table to properly support the creasing-blade in itselevated To provide for communicating motion to thevertically-reciprocating creasing-blade, the slide 22 thereof hasprojected from its outer side an offstanding attachingstud 26, to whichis pivotally connected the upper end of an operating-pitman 27, thelower end of which pitnian has a wrist-pin connection 28 with a spurcrank-wheel 29,

mounted on one end of a shaft 29, extending transversely across themachine base orstand and journaled in suitable bearings at the sidesthereof. The spur crank-wheel 29 meshes constantly with a drive-pinion30, which is loosely mounted upon a transverse driveshaft 31, alsojournaled transversely of the base or stand and carrying at one endbeyond the base or stand the ordinary fast and loose pulleys 32 and 33,respectively, and a fly or balance wheel 34. The loose drive-pinion 30is provided at one side with a clutch-face 35, adapted to be engaged bythe clutch projections 36 at one side of a double clutch-collar 37,feathered upon the drive-shaft 31 at one side of the loose pinion 30 andhaving the annular groove thereof loosely engaged by the yoke 38 of ashipper-lever 39. The shipperlever 39 is arranged at one side of themachine base or stand and is pivoted thereto at its lower end, as at 40,whereby said lever may be swung in a lateral direction to provide forshifting the feathered clutch-collar 37 upon the drive-shaft. The saidshipper-lever 39 has pivotally connected thereto one end of anadjusting-rod 41, extending transversely across the base or stand andworking in suitable guide-openings therein. The said rod 41 hasconnected to the end thereof opposite its connection with theshipper-lever 41 a horizontal bell-crank lever 42, pivotally supportedat the front side of the base or stand and also having connected theretoone end of a connecting-rod 43, the other end of which rod is pivoted toan adjusting-lever 44, pivoted at its lower end, as at 45, to the frontside of the base or stand and having the upper portion thereof workingWithin a keeper 46. When it is desired to throw the creasing-blade inaction, it is simply necessary to throw the lever 44 in a directiontoward the point marked doubling, which provides for moving theshipper-lever 39 in an outward direction, with a consequent movement ofthe clutch-collar 37 into engagement with the loose pinion 30, thuscausing said pinion to rotate with the drive-shaft and communicatemotion to the crankwheel 29, one rotation of which crankwheel carriesthe creasing-blade down between the bending-rolls to its lowest limit ofmovement and then upward again to its elevated and inactive positionabove the bending-rolls.

During the operation of the machine it is necessary to automaticallystop the creasingblade when it reaches its elevated inactive position,so that the other parts of the machine may perform their functionswithout interference. To accomplish this, several expedients may beresorted to, and it will be understood that no claim is made herein toany specific means for automatically stopping the creasing-blade when itreaches its elevated position; but a simple way of attaining this resultis shown in the drawings, in which thecrank-Wheel 29 is illustrated asbeing provided atone side and adjacent to its periphery with a beveledcam lug or projection 49, which is arranged in such a position that atthe moment the creasing-blade reaches its upward limit of movement suchlug or projection will engage against the side of the clutch-collar 37next to the clutch-face of the loose pinion 30 and will throw suchcollar out of engagement with the pinion, and thereby immediately stopthe rotation of the crank-wheel, as well as the movement of thecreasing-blade. When the cam lug or projection 49 engages theclutchcollar in the manner described, the same simply moves such collarto an intermediate position between the loose pinion 30 and asimilarpinion 50. The pinion 50 is loosely mounted on the drive-shaft 31and is provided at one side with a clutch-face 51,. adapted to beengaged by the clutch projections 36 on the adcent side of the doubleclutch-collar 37, and said pinion 50 is constantly in mesh with aspur-wheel 52, mounted on one end of a crankshaft 53, arrangedtransversely of the machine base or stand, at one end of the latter. Thetransverse crank-shaft 53 is provided at points within the base or standwith a plurality of cranks or eccentrics 54, with which is connected oneend of pitmen 55, the other ends of which pitmen are pivotally coupled,by means of suitable knuckle connect-ions 56, to a transversehorizontally-reciprocating shearhead 57. The horizontally reciprocatingshear-head 57 is arranged transversely of the base or stand below theplane of the workholding table and is provided at its opposite .endswith the slide-tongues 58, slidably working in the horizontalguide-grooves 59, formed at the upper inner sides of the machine base orstand and providing means for guiding the shear or knife head 57 in ahorizontal movement beneath the bending-rolls 14 and across the plane ofthe vertical slot 18 in one side of the base or stand, as clearly shownin Fig. 2 of the drawings. The horizontally-reciprocating head 57carries the movable shear-blade 60, which is adjustably clamped to thehead by means of suitable bolts 61 and is properly set through themedium of adjusting or set screws 62, mounted on the head and bearingagainst the back edge of the movable shearblade 60. The movableshear-blade 60, carried by the reciprocating head 57, cooperates with astationary or ledger shear-blade 63, adj ustably mounted on a stationarysupporting-bar 64, extending transversely across the base or stand andarranged 'at one side of the plane of the vertical movement of thecreasing-blade 19. The stationary or ledger blade 63 is adjustablyclamped to its support 64 by means of suitable bolts 65 and is properlyset to a proper working position through the medium of adjusting or setscrews 66, mounted on the supporting-bar 64 and bearing against the backedge of the said blade 63. The adjustments of the two shear-blades ontheir supports are the same; but the essential feature of theconstruction described is the relative arrangement of the stationary andmovable shearblades to constitute a shearing mechanism below the planeof the bending-rolls 14, between which the doubled sheet is forced onthe downward thrust of the creasing-blade 19. When the shearingmechanism thus described comes into play, the

4 eaeel contiguous edges of the doubled sheet are accurately trimmed offand the cuttings fall upon the stationary or ledger blade, which isslightly inclined, and work over the arched sheet-metal apron 67, whichis clamped at one edge between the stationary or ledger blade and theadjusting-screws therefor and is arched completely over theadjusting-screws to provide for shedding the cuttings and deflecting thesame into a delivery spout or chute 68, arranged at an inclinationwithin the base or stand transversely below the lower edge of the apron67 and extending out from one side of the base or stand to discharge thecuttings at a point convenient of access.

During the operation of the machine it is of course necessary to stopthe action of the shearing mechanism after a doubled plate has been trimmed thereby, and to secure this result the same expedient maybe resortedto that is used to automatically stop the creasing-blade when it reachesits elevated inactive position. This expedient is to provide thespur-wheel 52 at one side and adjacent to its periphery with a beveledcam lug or projection 69, which is arranged in such a position that whenthe movable shear-blade retires to its inactive position away from thestationary or ledger blade, such lug or projection will engage againstthe side of the clutch-collar 37 facing the loose pinion 50 and willthrow such collar out of engagement with such pinion, and therebyimmediately stop the rotation of the spur-wheel 52. WVhen the cam lug orprojection 69 of the spur-wheel 52 comes into action in the mannerexplained, it simply moves the clutch-collar to an intermediate inactiveposition between the loose pinions 30 and 50.

The doubled plate, which is carried downward between the bending-rolls14 and the blades of the shearing mechanism, is caught between a pair ofdelivery-rolls 70 and 71, respectively, which are arranged in verticalalinement with the bending-rolls 14. The spindle extremities of thedelivery-roll 70 are journaled in fixed bearings in the sides of themachine base or stand, and the spindle extremities of the otherdelivery-roll 71 are journaled-in the slidable bearing-boxes 72, mountedin slots 73 in the sides of the base or stand and having arranged tobear against one side thereof the pressure-springs 74,

which serve to normally press the roll 71 toward the roll 70, while atthe same time allowing the rolls to spread apart to permit of thepassage of the doubled sheet between the same.

The two transversely-arranged deliveryrolls 70 and 71 are gearedtogether for positive rotation in opposite directions by means of themeshing gear-wheels 74, mounted on contiguous spindle extremities of therolls at one end thereof, as plainly shown in detail Fig. 6 of thedrawings, and the spindle extremity of the delivery-roll 70 opposite thegear-wheel 74 has mounted thereon a spurwheel 75, which meshes with apinion 76, mounted on an idle shaft 77, journaled transversely of themachine base or stand and playing between the delivery-roll 70 and thedrive-shaft 31. To provide for communicating motion to the idle shaft77, the latter has mounted thereon, adjacent to one side of the base orstand, a gear-wheel 78, meshing with a similar-wheel 79, loosely mountedon the drive-shaft 31. The loose gear-wheel 79 is provided at one sidewith a clutch-face normally engaged by the clutch projections 80 of aclutch-collar 81, feathered on the driveshaft 31 and having the annulargroove thereof engaged by one arm with a bell-crank shipper-lever 82,the other arm of whichlever has pivotally connected thereto one end ofan operating-bar 83, the other end of which connects with a bell-cranktreadle 84L, pivotally supported on the machine base or stand andexposed contiguous to the treadle 12 and the lever 44 within easy reachof the operator. The clutch-collar 81 normally engages with the loosegear-wheel 79, and thereby provides for a constant rotation of thedeliveryroll; but when it is necessary to stop the motion of these rollsduring the action of the shearing mechanism a depression of the treadle84 will disengage the clutch-collar 81 from the gear-wheel 79 and effectthis result.

The doubled and trimmed plate, which is carried downward between thedelivery-rolls 70 and 71, is deflected onto either of theoppositely-arranged plate-conveyers 85 through the medium of thedeflector 86, arranged below and centrally between the delivery-rolls 70and 71. The deflector 86 essentially comprises a plurality of alinedV-shaped fingers 87, rigidly fastened to the upper side of anoscillatory sleeve 88, loosely mounted upon the transverse shaft 29,carrying the spur crank-wheel 29. The oscillatory deflectorsleeve 88 hasrigidly fastened thereto one end of a bent operating-lever 89, extendedout from the base or stand at the front side thereof and having its freeend adapted to be engaged in either of a pair of spaced keepers 90,projected from the front side of the base or stand and providing meansfor holding the deflector tilted against either of the deliveryrolls,according to the con veyer 85 upon which the plate is to be delivered.It will be observed that when the apices of the deflectorfingers 87 areheld against one of the delivery-rolls the doubled and trimmed sheetwill be deflected onto the conveyer 85 farthest from such roll.

Each of the oppositely-arranged plate-conveyers 85 extend to theheating-furnaces in which the doubled metal plates are to be reheated,and therefore obviate the necessity of dragging the plates to thefurnace, and each of said conveyers preferably consists of a pair ofendless conveyer-chains 91, passing over spaced chain-wheels 92, mountedon a conveyer-shaft 93, journaled transversely Within the base or standbelow the oscillatory plate-deflector 86. The conveyer-shafts 93 for theoppositely-arranged conveyers are arranged in parallel relation and inclose proX- imity to each other, said conveyer-shafts being gearedtogether for positive rotation in opposite directions through the mediumof the meshing pinions 94, mounted on contiguous extremities of theshafts. To provide for communicating motion to both of the gearedconveyer-shafts, one of said shafts is further provided with achain-wheel 95, over which passes the drive-chain 96, driven from asprocket wheel 97, mounted on the idle shaft 77.

In the operation of the machine after the sheet-metal plate to bedoubled has been properly centered upon the work-holding table in themanner described the lever 44 is moved in a direction to engage theclutch 37 with the loose pinion 30, thereby setting in motion thecreasing-blade, which descends upon the metal plate, presses acrease-line therein at a central point, and forcibly bends the samebetween the bending-rolls 14. The continued downward movement of thecreasing-blade carries the doubled plate between the delivery-rolls and71, and then the creasing-blade ascends and automatically stops in itselevated position in the manner previously explained. When thedeliveryrolls, which move at a vvery slow rate, of speed, carry thedoubled plateto a pointwhere the contiguous edges thereof lie in properpotions to be trimmed, the rotation of the delivery-rolls is stopped inthe manner described and the clutch 37 thrown into engagement with thepinion 50, thereby starting up the shearing mechanism which trims offthe doubled plate, after which the movable blade of the shearingmechanism retires and automatically stops, as already set forth.Pressure is then relieved from the treadle 84 to again permit thedelivery-rolls to rotate and feed the doubled and trimmed sheet onto oneof the conveyers 85, which carries it to the furnace to be reheated. Thesame action is repeated in the subsequent operations of the machines.

From the foregoing it is thought that the construction, operation, andmany advantages of the herein-described machine will be readily apparentwithout further description, and it will be understood that changes inthe form, proportion, and the minor details of construction may beresorted to without departing from the principle or sacrificing any ofthe advantages of this invention.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new, and desiredto be secured by Letters Patent, is-

1. In a machine for doubling sheet-metal plates, the base or standprovided at the top with oppositely located, slatted table sections,each having at one side edge thereof an upstanding rest-flange, doublingmechanism arranged to work in the space between the inner contiguousends of the separate table-sections, and oppositely-located centeringdevices operating through spaces formed between the adjacent slats ofthe table-sections, substantially as set forth.

2. In a doubling-machine, the combination with the base, having ahorizontal work-holding table, and doubling mechanism, of a pair ofoppositely-located rock-shafts arranged at opposite ends of the frame,swinging centering-arms carried by said shafts and having their upperends projecting above the plane of the table respectively at oppositeends thereof, a pair of contiguous reversely-arranged bell-crank levershaving operative connections respectively with the separate rockshafts,and an operating-treadle having a link connection with contiguous endsof both bellcrank levers, substantially as set forth.

3. In a doubling-machine of the class described, the combination withthe table, and the doubling mechanism, of a pair of oppositely-locatedrock-shafts, swinging centering-arms carried by said shafts, andprojecting above the plane of the table respectively at opposite endsthereof, and a single treadle having duplicate operating connectionsrespectively with the separate rock-shat ts, substantially as set forth.

4. In a doubling-machine for sheet-metal plates, a pair ofbending-rolls, a verticallyreciprocating slide, a verticalcreasing-blade, clamping-plates embracing an edge of said blade andfastened to the slide, and reinforce plates fastened to opposite facesof the blade, substantially as set forth.

5. In a machine for doubling sheet-metal plates, a pair ofbending-rolls, a verticallyreoiprocating slide,a vertical triangularcreasing-blade, and angle-plates receiving therebetween and reinforcingthe vertical edge of the blade, said plates also abutting flat againstthe slide and fastened thereto, substantially as set forth.

6. In a doublingmachine, the combination of a pair of bending-rolls, aVertically-reciprocating slide, a vertical creasing-blade arranged atone side of the slide, a fastening connection between one edge of theblade and the slide, and reinforce-strips arranged transversely of theblade at opposite sides thereof, substantially as set forth.

7. In a doubling-machine, the combination of a pair of bending-rolls, avertically-reciprocating slide, a vertically-disposed triangularcreasing-blade, clamp-plates embracing the vertical edge of thecreasing-blade and fastened to said slide, and a pair of horizontalreinforce angle-plates arranged transversely of the creasing-blade andfastened to opposite sides thereof, substantially as set forth.

8. A machine for handling sheet metal plates consisting of the followinginstrumentalities, to wit: abase, a pair of bending-rolls, a verticallyreciprocating creasing blade adapted to work between said rolls,automatically operating shearing mechanism arranged below the plane ofthe bending-rolls,

IIO

means for operatively connecting the creasing-blade and the shearingmechanism, sub stantially as set forth.

9. A machine for handling sheetmetal plates consisting of the followinginstrumentalitics, to wit: a base, a pairof bending-rolls, atransversely-arranged vertically-reciprocating creasing-blade, adrive-shaft, a clutch mechanism mounted upon the drive-shaft, acrank-wheel havinga pitman connection with the slide, and also having acam cooperating with the clutch mechanism, and a shearing mechanismarranged below the bending-rolls and includinga gear-wheel, also havingacam cooperating with the said clutch mechanism, substantially as setforth.

10. A machine for handling sheetmetal plates, consisting of thefollowing instrumentalities, to wit: doubling mechanism for doubling theplate, shearing mechanism operatively connected with the doublingmechanism, means for bringing the doubling and shearing mechanisms intoaction at different intervals, and separate means for automaticallystopping respectively the doubling and shearing mechanisms,substantially as set forth.

11. A machine for handling sheetmetal plates consisting of the followinginstrumentalities, to wit: a pair of bending-rolls, avertically-reciprocatin g creasing-blad e, shearing mechanism arrangedbelow the bending-rolls, means for operatively connecting the shearingmechanism with the creasing-blade,means for reciprocating thecreasing-blade, and also for operating the shearing mechanism, andseparate means for stoppingthe movement of the blade and the action ofsaid shearing mechanism, substantially as set forth.

12. A machine for handling sheet-metal plates consisting of thefollowing instrumentalities, to wit: a pair of bending-rolls, avertically-reci procatin g creasing-blade, shearing mechanism arrangedbelow the bending-rolls, delivery mechanism arranged below the shearingmechanism, and means for operatively connecting the creasing-blade, theshearing mechanism and the delivery mechanism, substantially as setforth.

13. A machine for handling sheet-metal plates consisting of thefollowing instrumentalities, to wit: doubling mechanism for doubling themetal plate, shearing mechanism for trimming the doubled plate, deliverymechanism for feeding the doubled plate into position to be trimmed, andsubsequently delivering the same from the machine, and means foroperatively connecting the doubling,shearing and deliverymechanisms,substantially as set forth.

14. A machine for handling sheet-metal plates consisting of thefollowing instrumentalities, to wit: doubling mechanism for doubling theplate, delivery mechanism for feeding the doubled plate through themachine, shearing mechanism interposed between the doubling and deliverymechanisms, means for operatively connecting the doubling, shearing anddelivery mechanisms, and a conveyer arranged to receive the doubled andtrimmed plate from the delivery mechanism, substantially as set forth.

15. A machine for handling sheet-metal plates consisting of thefollowing instrumentalities, to wit: the doubling mechanism for doublingthe plate, delivery mechanism, shearing mechanism interposed between thedoubling and delivery mechanism, means for operatively connecting thedoubling, delivery and shearing mechanisms, means for bringing thedoubling and shearing mechanisms into action at difierent intervals,means for stopping the action of the delivery mechanism during theaction of the shearing mechanism, and separate means for automaticallystopping respectively the doubling and shearing mechanisms,substantially as set forth.

16. A machine for handling sheet-metal plates consisting of thefollowing instrumentalities, to wit: a pair of bending-rolls, avertically-reciprocating creasing-blade, shearing mechanism arrangedbelow the bending-roll, delivery mechanism arranged below the shearingmechanism, means for operatively connecting the doubling, shearing anddelivery mechanisms, means for separately bringing into action thedoubling and shearing mechanisms, means for stopping the action of thedelivery mechanism during the action of the shearing mechanism, andseparate means for automaticallystoppingrespectivelythe movement of thecreasing-blade and the action of the shearing mechanism, substantiallyas set forth.

17. A machine for handling sheet-metal plates consisting of thefollowing instrument-alities, to wit: a pair of bending-rolls,avertically-reciprocating creasing-blade, shearing mechanism arrangedbelow the bending-rolls, delivery mechanism arranged belowthe shearingmechanism, means for operatively connecting the doubling, shearing anddelivery mechanisms, and a conveyer arranged to receive the doubled andtrimmed plate from the delivery mechanism, substantially as set forth.

18. A machine for handling sheet-metal plates consisting of thefollowing instrumentalities, to wit: a pair of bending-rolls, avertically-reciprocating creasing-blade,fixed and movable shear-bladesarranged in working relation below the bending-rolls, means foroperating the movable shear-blade,and means for operatively connectingthe doubling, shearing, and delivery mechanisms, delivery mechanismarranged below the shear-blade, substantially as set forth.

19. A machine for handling sheet-metal plates consisting of thefollowing instrumentalities, to wit: the doublingmechanism, fixed andmovable shear-blades supported in work ing relation and receivingtherebetween the doubled sheet from said doubling mechanism, means foroperating the movable shear-blade and for automatically stopping thesame in an inactive position, delivery mechanism arranged below theshear-blades, means for operatively Connecting the doubling, shearingand delivery mechanisms, substantially as set forth.

20. A machine for handling sheet-metal plates consisting of thefollowing instrumentalities, to wit: a pair of bending-rolls, avertically-reciprocating creasing-blade, a fixed shear-blade arrangedbelow the plane of the bending-rolls, a horizontally-reciprocatingshear-blade disposed in working relation to the fixed shear-blade, meansfor operating the movable shear-blade and for automatically stopping thesame in an inactive position, a delivery mechanism arranged below theshear-blades, and means for operatively connecting the doubling,shearing and delivery mechanisms, substantially as set forth.

21. A machine for handling sheet-metal plates consisting of thefollowing instrumentalities, to wit: a pair of bending-rolls, avertically-reciprocating creasing-blade, a stationary supporting-bar,arranged below the plane of the bending-rolls, a fixed shear-bladeadjustably mounted on said supporting-bar, a horizontal reciprocatingshear-head slid ably supported at its ends and carrying an adjustableshear-blade disposed in working relation to the other shear-blade, meansfor operating the reciprocating shear-head and for automaticallystopping the same in an inactive position, a delivery mechanism arrangedbelow the shear-blade, means for operatively connecting the doubling,shearing and delivery mechanisms, substantially as set forth.

22. A machine for handling sheet-metal plates consisting of thefollowing instrumentalities, to wit: the doubling mechanism, shearingmechanism arranged below the doubling mechanism and essentiallycomprising a fixed and movable shear-blade, means for operativelyconnecting the doubling and shearing mechanisms, an apron arched overthe fixed shear-blade and its support, and a delivery spout or chute forcuttings, arranged transversely below said apron, substantially as setforth.

23. A machine for handling sheet-metal plates consisting of thefollowing instrumentalities, to wit: a pair of bending-rolls, avertically-reci procatin g creasing-blade, shearing mechanism arrangedbelow the bending-rolls, a pair of relatively-yielding delivery-rollsarranged below the shearing mechanism, and means for operativelyconnecting the doubling and shearing mechanism and said delivery-rolls,substantially as set forth.

24. A machine for handling sheet-metal plates consisting of thefollowing instrumentalities, to wit: the doubling and shearingmechanisms, a pair of relatively-yielding delivery-rolls for receivingtherebetween the doubled sheet, and means for operatively connecting thedelivery-rolls and the doubling and shearing mechanisms, separateoppositely-extending conveyers, and a deflecting device arranged todeflect the doubled and trimmed sheets from the delivery-rolls ontoeither of the conveyers, substantially as set forth.

25. A machine for handling sheet-metal plates consisting of thefollowing instrumentalities, to wit: the doubling and shearingmechanisms, a pair of relatively-yielding delivery-rolls, and means foroperatively connecting said rolls and the doubling and shearingmechanisms, separate oppositely-extending conveyers, gearing forpositively rotating the delivery-rolls, means for stopping the motion ofsaid rolls, and a deflecting device arranged to deflect the doubled andtrimmed plate from the delivery-rolls onto either of the conveyers,substantially as set forth.

26. In a doubling-machine, the combination with the doubling mechanism,of a pair of positively-rotating delivery-rolls, a pair ofoppositely-arranged conveyers, respectively traveling in oppositedirections away from the machine, and a deflecting device essen* tiallycomprising a supporting-shaft, an os cillatory sleeve loosely mounted onsaid shaft, and a plurality of inverted-V-shaped fingers rigidlyfastened to said sleeve, means for oscillating the sleeve on its supportand separate means for locking said deflecting device in either of twopositions, substantially a set forth.

27. In a doubling-machine, the combina tion with the doubling mechanism,of a pair of positively-rotating delivery-rolls, a pair ofoppositely-arranged conveyers, respectively traveling in oppositedirections away from the machine, an oscillatory support locatedintermediate the delivery-rolls and conveyers, and provided with aninverted-V-shaped deflector, an operating-lever rigidly connected at oneend with said oscillatory support, and means to positively engage withthe le- Ver at different points to provide for holding the deflector ineither of two positions, substantially as set forth.

28. A machine for handling sheet-metal plates consisting of thefollowing instrumentalities, to wit: doubling mechanism for doubling theplate, shearing mechanism arranged below and in proximity to the d0u-'bling mechanism, delivery mechanism arranged below and in proximity tothe shearing mechanism, means for operatively connecting the doubling,shearing and delivery mechanisms, and a conveyer arranged to receive thedoubled and trimmed plate from the delivery mechanism, substantially asset forth.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own I have hereto affixedmy signature in the presence of two witnesses.

RALPH R. SPEARS.

Witnesses:

J. H. RIDDLE, J 1'., JOHN J. GOMPEBS.

